Gareth Southgate gives update on whether injury-stricken Luke Shaw will feature in England's opening Euro 2024 game against Serbia

Gareth Southgate delivered a positive update over the fitness of his squad England take on Serbia in their opening Euro 2024 match on Sunday afternoon 

Gareth Southgate has 'made a call' over whether Luke Shaw will feature during England's opening Euro 2024 game against Serbia on Sunday night.

The defender, who has not played since February after having sustained a hamstring injury, made his return to training earlier this week in what will be a big boost for Southgate.

The England manager had previously admitted that it was a 'gamble' to include Shaw in his squad, but revealed today that he has made a decision on whether the former Southampton defender will be available to play for England on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.

'We have a decision on whether Luke is a possible to use from the bench, but everyone has trained today and is available' Southgate said during his pre-match press conference. 

He also delivered an update on the fitness of the rest of his squad, stating: 'Everyone is available.' 

Gareth Southgate has delivered a positive update on Luke Shaw's (centre) fitness after he returned to training earlier this week

Shaw has not played since February after the Manchester United defender sustained a hamstring injury

Southgate stated that all of his team had trained today ahead of England's opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia

That will no doubt come as good news after concerns have arisen over the availability of defender John Stones, who returned to first-team training on Thursday following an illness. 

The Manchester City defender had been isolating away from his team-mates on Wednesday to prevent the illness from spreading through the squad and some concern had arisen over whether he would be fit to play in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.   

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But even with a full squad at his disposal, the Three Lions boss admitted he was staying cautious of Serbia. He was also hesitant to reveal how his team could line up against Dragan Stojkovic's side, stating that they are a dangerous opponent considering the number of options they have at their disposal. 

'Dragan [Stojkovic] has different options, we know they can play in different systems and the strikers they have can cause problems to any team,' Southgate added. 'They have a settled way of playing.

'We have to be able to deal with their strengths and try to exploit the weaknesses because every team in the tournament has weaknesses so that's the role of our work during the week.'

There was some concern over the fitness of England defender John Stones (centre) after he was confined to his room this week with illness

The England boss was also staying tight-lipped over how his England squad could line up against Serbia on Sunday afternoon

Southgate admitted that England will need to be ready to deal with Serbia and Luka Jovic's (pictured) strengths and exploit their weaknesses

More to follow...